If you read our first part of this 2024 Islandport Press Gift Guide, then you know that we have quite the selection of holiday favorites for every type of person. But maybe you have someone in mind that likes something else... maybe they're a lover of hunting or fishing, maybe they're new to Maine, or maybe they're a history buff.
When you gift a book, you give more than just paper. You give a helping hand. You give a fun new adventure. You give love and guidance.
You give a glimpse of Maine.
Not sure where to start? We do have a lot of options... thank goodness you have this gift guide to show you where to go!
Give an Outdoor Adventure ❄️
No fear nature lovers! You may be snowed in, but these books will transport you right back into the beautiful Maine wilderness.
Tributaries
by Ryan Brod
Tributaries is a collection of contemporary outdoor essays exploring the line between passion and obsession. Written through the lens of a late-30-something, the book explores complex, evolving relationships between fathers and sons; between fishing buddies; between anglers and guides; and between outdoorspeople and the landscapes they cherish. Rendered in vivid detail, Tributaries examines tensions between presence and memory, illuminating fleeting yet transcendent moments.
A Full Net
by Susan Daignault
In her fun and fascinating new book, A Full Net, Sue shares with readers how she became “fish-brained,” and a woman increasingly driven to pursue everything from bonefish and tarpon to bass and, of course, stripers—wherever and whenever she could. What shines through all of her stories of success, failure, and friendship is a love for the waters of the world and the respect and admiration for the fish who call them home.
My Life in the Maine Woods
by Annette Jackson
Make no mistake: Annette Jackson loved the Maine woods. Loved nearly everything about them. She fished, hunted, canoed, hiked, and accompanied her husband—none other than famed game warden David Jackson—on many of his official travels. Throughout the Allagash region, Annette took full advantage of the gifts the Maine woods offered, all while keeping house and raising children. My Life in the Maine Woods recounts Jackson’s experiences during the 1930s when she, her husband, and their children lived in a small cabin on the shore of Umsaskis Lake.
Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill
by Ron Joseph
In Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill, wildlife biologist Ron Joseph recounts his youth in central Maine, the importance of his family's dairy farm, and his adventures in the field over the course of a career that spanned more than three decades. A gifted storyteller, he also introduces readers to other like-minded people and fascinating characters who have worked in some way to preserve the natural beauty of Maine. Joseph's forty stories are told with the compassion and appreciation of a man who truly loves Maine, its people, and its many wonders.
A Life Lived Outdoors
by George Smith
From laugh-out-loud funny to deeply poignant, A Life Lived Outdoors presents a collection of hand-picked essays by George Smith, one of Maine’s favorite outdoor writers, exploring the way life should be, could be, and sometimes is in the great state of Maine. He set aside the political columns for those about home and camp, family and friends, life in rural Maine, hunting and fishing, and other outdoor fun. There’s something for everyone in this collection that celebrates approaching life with humility and humor, as well as a passion for adventure.
Skiing with Henry Knox
by Sam Brakeley
Sam Brakeley's long-time girlfriend was moving to Utah, with or without him. Torn between following her or remaining in New England, he took to exploring Henry Knox’s eighteenth-century physical and emotional journey while undertaking his own twenty-first-century trip. By skiing on the Catamount Trail, a 330-mile cross-country ski trail that runs across Vermont from the Massachusetts border to Canada, Brakeley reminds us that history has many lessons to offer the living. Will he take advantage of his time in the woods to reach a decision?
Give a Slice of Small Town Charm ❄️
Giving a slice of small town charm means appreciating the little things in life. And who isn’t grateful during the holidays?
Farmhouse on the Edge of Town
by Lew-Ellyn Hughes
Farmhouse on the Edge of Town is a collection of heartwarming and humorous stories from fifteen years of owning Diamond Corner, a bed-and-breakfast in a nineteenth-century farmhouse, that features a cast of hardy Mainers, colorful guests, and lovable family, as Lew-Ellyn juggles their wants and needs with her trademark humor and insight. From opening up a bakery in her kitchen to meeting visitors from all over the world, her stories will delight anyone who’s ever spent time in a small town.
Salt and Roses
by May Davidson
Salt and Roses is a charming collection of essays for those who appreciate simple pleasures, like the beauty of human relationships, the playfulness of animals, and the charm of boating along the coast of Maine—combined with some heartfelt laughter along the way. Author May Davidson writes about her experiences and the life lessons she and her husband, Jim, learned on the water, on the farm, or when traveling together. Davidson encourages readers to appreciate life and to find value in the people and places around them.
The Sea Flower
by Ruth Moore
The Sea Flower (1964) centers on two down-and-out orphans, a persnickety cat, an eccentric fisherman, and the hurricane that brings them together. Marney Lessard and Liz Bigelow separately fled from trouble only to find themselves adrift on the same luxury houseboat. When they run aground on a nearly deserted Maine island, Arvid Small comes to their rescue. Stout and friendly, the island’s one seasonal resident attempts to change their fortunes with the help of some friends who are as genuine as the coastal Maine folk Ruth Moore knew herself.
Old Maine Woman
by Glenna Johnson Smith
Glenna Johnson Smith writes with eloquence and humor about the complexities, absurdities, and pleasures of the every day, from her nostalgic looks at her childhood on the Maine coast in the 1920s and 1930s, to her observations of life under the big sky and among the rolling potato fields of her beloved Aroostook County, where she lived for nearly seven decades. The book also includes some of her best fiction pieces.
The Walk Down Main Street
by Ruth Moore
The Walk Down Main Street (1960) explores what happens when a river town in Maine goes mad over its high school basketball team. Ruth Moore covers basketball thrills, coming of age, and the reality of small town inhabitants along with her usual razor-sharp wit and honest depictions of daily life.
Give a Conversation Starter ❄️
Looking for a fun activity to play with the family? Or maybe your friend is a bit of a history buff? We’ve got you covered.
New Hampshire Trivia
by Rebecca Rule
Rebecca “Becky” Rule’s New Hampshire Trivia is a fascinating, educational, and entertaining collection of facts and stories that will test your knowledge and spark your curiosity to learn even more about this great state. There’s something for everyone with 500 questions in such categories as History, Arts and Entertainment, Sports, Notables, Natural Wonders, Strange and Unexpected, and much more. A great gift for those who love New Hampshire, love history, or just love trivia.
Maine Trivia
by Dean Lunt and John McDonald
The first of Islandport's trivia duo, Maine Trivia is a fun, fascinating, educational, and humorous collection of known, little-known, and should-be-known facts about the Pine Tree State and its people. Revised and updated for 2022, the book features such categories as history, politics, wildlife, sports, arts, and geography. It’s the perfect gift for people who love Maine or love history. Maine Trivia goes beyond just questions and answers, providing additional details on some of the most important events, inventions, and people in the state’s history. We added a few “stories'' and just a bit of Maine humor as well. It’s all great fun!
This Day in Maine
by Joseph Owen
Since achieving statehood in 1820, Maine has developed into a sometimes mythical vacationland of moose and lobsters and lighthouses set against breathtaking vistas and endless natural beauty. But the state’s history is more real than postcards; replete with tragedy and triumph, and boasting powerful politicians, brilliant inventors, successful athletes, and talented creative professionals. Although a small state, it has often touched the world in an outsized way. Margaret Chase Smith has inspired, Stephen King has scared, and the Ice Storm challenged.
Downeast Genius
by Earl H. Smith
In this delightful, informative compendium of 53 of some the greatest inventors in Maine's history—and the world’s— and their amazing inventions, beloved author and state historian Earl Smith discovers the whys, whats, and where-to-fores that prompted the creation of so many essentials and entertainments we now take for granted (paper bag, anyone?). Birthed by necessity, vision, and that other mother of invention, the great state of Maine.
Wild! Weird! Wonderful! Maine.
by Earl Brechlin
From Kittery to Eastport, from Fort Kent to Monhegan, Maine is home to natural wonders, quirky characters, remarkable inventors, and haunting ghosts and legends. Whether it’s Moxie Nerve Food, the North American Wife Carrying Competition, UFO abductions along the Allagash, or Katahdin’s role in creating Bambi, this book by long-time journalist Earl Brechlin celebrates all that makes the state unique—both real and imagined. Brechlin not only recognizes the historical giants of Maine and its natural beauty, but brings to life the myths, legends, truths, and tall tales that have been shared around Maine’s campfires for generations.
Give Sweet Dreams ❄️
Bedtime stories and crazy kid adventures—all beautifully illustrated of course! Our beautifully illustrated children's books are the perfect pick for any family with little ones.
Hector Fox and the Giant Quest
by Astrid Sheckels
"I wish fairy tales were real," sighed little Lucy Skunk. Lucy's wish was all it took for Hector Fox and his merry band of woodland friends to set out on an adventure beyond the friendly Green Wood. They had all heard a rumor of an enormous, shadowy stranger living in the Forbidden Marsh. Was it a fairy-tale giant? The five friends set out on a quest to learn the truth, and with some unexpected help, make a giant discovery. This is the first book in the Hector Fox series.
2022 Moonbeam Gold Medal Winner for Best Illustrator
2021 Northern Lights Book Awards - Best Author/Illustrator
123 Gulls
by Beth Rand
123 Gulls offers a fresh take on a counting book, as a trio of intrepid seagulls makes its way through an island winter wonderland. They skate, ski, and collect items, counting down from ten mittens to one snowy surprise. Little ones can start by learning numbers while early counters will have fun finding all the items. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the playful rhyming text as they show children that enjoying winter is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
When the Sky Is Like Lace
by Elinor Lander Horwitz
Haunting and dreamlike, this classic picture book describes the strange-splendid and plum-purple things that occur when the sky is like lace. On a night on which anything can — and indeed will — happen, three girls venture out to listen to otters sing, eat spaghetti with pineapple sauce, and watch trees dance.
Nic and Nellie
by Astrid Sheckels
Astrid Sheckels' picture book Nic and Nellie is a gorgeously illustrated, heartwarming story of a girl and her beloved dog, Nellie, who slowly learn that new places really aren't so scary, and that often friends can be found around every corner, even in old row boats, tidal ponds, and stinky mud flats.
Gold Medal, Best Picture Book (All Ages), 2013 Moonbeam Children's Book Award
Albert's Almost Amazing Adventure
by Marty Kelley
Marty Kelley tells this wonderful read-aloud story in a fresh and imaginative way, contrasting panels of black-and-white charcoal drawings of dull old Albert with wonderful color spreads of what Albert’s friends imagine for his summer adventures. Did Albert really tussle with ninjas and parlay with pirates? Or did he spend his time in Maine in the most boring ways imaginable? What really made his amazing summer vacation so amazing?
Give the Eyes of a Local ❄️
Sometimes the best gift to give someone is an experience. But what's the best way to plan a trip? Whether it be a guide book on Maine's most beautiful sites or stories from a local on the most underrated (and less crowded!) restaurants, bakeries, and bars; giving the eyes of a Mainer is a great gift for those planning their next trip to the Pine Tree State.
Just Up The Road
by Chelsea Diehl
Through candid, humorous, and personal accounts of new and revisited journeys, readers will follow along on Chelsea Diehl's 100 adventures of stays, discoveries, hikes, and meals in Maine—all while getting to meet some of the people that make them possible and learning a little about the things that truly matter. This is a great choice for those who have just moved to Maine and are looking to get a feel of the state's personality and hidden gems.
The Maine Play Book (2nd Edition)
by Jennifer Hazard
The Maine Play Book, by award-winning blogger and Maine Office of Tourism’s “Family Fun Maker” Jennifer Hazard, is the ultimate family guide to Maine. This thoughtfully curated guidebook gives parents an insider's perspective of Maine through a mother’s eyes. Organized by season, each section features farms, nature preserves, and parks, as well as events and activities for families—from the rugged coast to the northernmost reaches of the state—with travel tips and color photos along the way. The book is great for local residents, families, or anyone who loves fun and adventure in the state of Maine.
The Islandport Guide to Lighthouses in Maine
by Ted Panayotoff
From the northernmost outpost of Whitlock Mills Light to Grindle Point Light on Islesboro, to the southern beacon of Cape Neddick (Nubble) Light—one of the most scenic and most photographed lighthouses in the world, boasting more than 250,000 visitors annually—a total of sixty-four existing lighthouses dot the bold coast and rugged islands of Maine. The Islandport Guide to Maine Lighthouses celebrates the longstanding history and importance of each lighthouse, as well as its modern-day use and accessibility.
Features:
up-to-date descriptions
directions to each destination
GPS coordinates
checklist
relevant resource information on surrounding attractions that will help you make the most of your visit.
Give a Spark of Creativity ❄️
For artists, art lovers, and anyone who loves Maine.
Coloring Maine
by Blue Butterfield
Woodblock prints by artist Blue Butterfield make for a welcome and uncommon entry in the coloring book market. The artist’s hand-carved lines allow the colorer to bring more of his or her own artistic interpretation to the page, coloring inside or outside of the lines to create an original piece of art. Butterfield’s prints capture the beauty of Maine’s varied landscapes, spanning all four seasons. This coloring book will delight young artists and adult colorers alike.
Art of Penobscot Bay
by Carl Little and David Little
For Art of Penobscot Bay, brothers David and Carl Little, well-known stewards of Maine art, have selected art and artists, from history and today, that celebrate the myriad of inlets, islands, coves, and peninsulas—the “nooks and corners” of the region. Art of Penobscot Bay includes artists from the 19th century through the 21st century, including Fitz Henry Lane, Waldo Peirce, Edward Hopper, William Zorach, John Marin, Emily Muir, Greta Van Campen, Alex Katz, Eric Hopkins, and Amy Peters Wood. Combined with text by the Little brothers, the art takes readers on a wondrous visual journey around, across, and through a breathtaking bay.
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